2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup included the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, with the new ST-Line adding a sporty flair to the XLT version. The King Ranch model, tested with 4WD, featured a striking Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing its MSRP to $59,880. Despite its top-trim status, the King Ranch's visual distinctions were subtle, with King Ranch emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, boasted a long hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline, creating an athletic appearance. Inside, the King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts, though the cabin's material quality varied, occasionally reminding occupants of the Explorer's base trim.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, redesigned in 2021, shared its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup, featuring a tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels for a supersized appearance. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered customization options despite its single body style. The RST test vehicle sported a Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior, 22-inch black-painted wheels, and a monochromatic black grille with Black Ice accents, creating a sporty look. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin, ranging from economically comfortable on the base LS trim to plush on the High Country. The RST featured 10-way power seats, Jet Black perforated leather with Victory Red stitching, and an optional Luxury package. While the cabin was generally pleasant, the predominantly black interior felt dark, with chrome sill plates and red stitching offering limited contrast.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with 4WD available. This engine provided a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The Explorer Limited offered an efficient hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-liter V6 engine, generating 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and achieving 27 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid came with RWD or 4WD and a 10-speed automatic. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, produced 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs with a maximum of 21 mpg in combined driving. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and felt athletic in daily driving.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engines: a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 5.3-liter V8, standard on all but the Premier, produced 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The 6.2-liter V8, standard on the High Country and available on other trims, delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The 3.0-liter diesel offered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft, with excellent fuel economy and a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Suburban, except for the Z71, came with standard RWD, with 4WD optional. The RST test vehicle featured the 6.2-liter V8, part of the Sport Performance package, providing effortless power and acceleration. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 8,300 pounds, and it excelled in towing tests, offering a stress-free experience.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform, low roofline, and tapered tail. The King Ranch model featured triple-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, while the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access. The Explorer's cabin lacked practical storage space, with limited pockets, shelves, and cubbies. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, offering 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in space, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. Most Suburbans offered seven- or eight-passenger seating, with a livable third row for adults. The Suburban boasted 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 144.7 cubic feet with seats folded. The second-row seats slid forward or backward, and both rows folded flat with ease. The cabin featured an optional power-sliding center console, a hidden storage drawer, and ample storage cubbies. However, the Suburban's size made maneuvering and parking challenging, especially in congested areas. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls required adjustment for those accustomed to a column-mounted shifter.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The King Ranch model included FordPass Connect, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation. It also had wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less advanced than the newer Sync 4, struggling with navigation and music requests. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered advanced technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT and above. Google built-in, including Google Maps and Assistant, was also standard on these trims. The Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch system was standard on LT and above. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot were standard. The Suburban LS had a six-speaker audio system, while the LT featured a nine-speaker Bose system. The Premier and High Country had a 10-speaker Bose Surround system, offering superior sound quality.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for 2022, but the previous year’s model received five-star ratings except for rollover resistance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, rear park assist, and more. For 2022, front park assist, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-departure warning were added. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not tested the current-generation Suburban.